From T1D to V1P, Diabetes Doesn’t Stop JDRF Youth Ambassador

August 31, 2017

It began with an average two-year well checkup. Briana and Dean Overholt’s son, Ford, was on track and no concerns. Two days later, their whole world began to change.

Ford was constantly thirsty, asking for refill after refill of his sippy cup. Briana called the pediatrician to ask how much water was too much, and they limited Ford’s intake throughout the weekend. His thirst didn’t subside.

Ford returned to the pediatrician, where they discovered he had sugar in his urine, but the amount wouldn’t even register on their devices. He was admitted directly to the hospital. Within a week’s time, Ford had lost 10 percent of his body weight and gained a type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis.

The family doesn’t let T1D stop them or Ford.

Not only did Ford embrace T1D with the help of Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes, he diagnosed all of his stuffed animals with T1D. Each year the family celebrates “D-Day” (diagnosis-day) to create an annual positive moment. The family doesn’t focus on “good or bad” numbers, they focus on “high or low” numbers when checking Ford’s sugar levels.

Ford also served as a JDRF Youth Ambassador. To support One Walk previously, Ford soldhis original, personalized artwork and thank you notes to contributors. That year, he raised enough funds to earn a place as a V1P!

“JDRF helps make T1D known to the public and shows us we are not alone. We’ve wondered, if JDRF did not exist, where would we be right now?” said Briana. “Participating in One Walk helps connect us with others and makes Ford feel proud of himself for how he’s been able to participate.”